Trojans hold on in 7-5 win over Red Oak

Atlantic built a 7-2 lead after six innings and blocked a late Red Oak comeback attempt in a 7-5 loss in Hawkeye 10 Conference baseball last Thursday.
The Tigers (11-16 overall, 5-15 in the conference) scored three runs over the final two innings. That’s where the comeback ended.
“We did not play clean defensively and had some baserunning mistakes that cost us some runs,” said Red Oak coach Mark Erickson. “On the bright side, we outhit Atlantic 10-9 and everyone in the lineup had at least one hit.”
Adam Baier started on the mound and took the loss after allowing six hits and four earned runs while striking out three in 2 2/3 innings. Brett Erickson pitched the four 1/3 innings in relief. He walked three and struck out four.
Jack Muller picked up the win for the Trojans after allowing eight hits and three earned runs in 6 1/3 innings.
The Trojans scored two unearned runs via the Tigers’ two fielding errors.
Brody Bond singled twice and scored a run for the Tigers at the plate. Baier singled and scored two runs and both Erickson and Carson Roeder singled and drove in runs.     
The Tigers were in Underwood last night for its Class 2A, Substate 8 opener against Treynor (13-11). Full coverage of that game will appear in the next edition of The Red Oak Express.

Red Oak 15,
East Mills 0
Red Oak collected a season-high 21 hits in a 15-0, four inning victory over East Mills in non-conference baseball last Tuesday.
The Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning then ballooned that lead to 14-0 with a seven run third inning.
“We swung the bats well tonight, did a nice job of making plays, and worked ahead of hitters on the mound,” said Red Oak coach Mark Erickson.
Adam Baier earned the win on the mound, allowing one hit and striking out two in two innings of work. Brody Bond and Landon Gigstad both pitched an inning of relief and both struck out one batter.
Bond had four singles, scored a run, and had two RBIs for the Tigers. Baier had three singles, scored two runs, and had two RBIs and Brett Erickson had three singles, scored two runs, and had an RBI. Carson Roeder added two singles and two RBIs and Reese Montgomery doubled, singled, scored two runs, and had two RBIs.
Jiri Brodigan and Fletcher Proctor each notched a hit for East Mills.
Ryan Sayers took the loss on the hill. The senior allowed 10 hits and three earned runs.

Tigers drop two to Harlan
Red Oak dropped a pair of Hawkeye 10 Conference softball games to Harlan last Monday.
The Tigers fell 7-4 in game one and 11-8 in 11 innings in game two.
In game one, Osiel Pedersen pitched a complete game and allowed five earned runs on 11 hits while walking two and striking out one.
“Osiel did a nice job of working ahead of hitters the entire game,” said Red Oak coach Mark Erickson. “He forces teams to swing the bat. It was a much-needed outing for our pitching staff as we were able to save some arms for game two.”
Brody Bond singled twice, scored a run, and drove in a run for the Tigers. Blake Sloan singled twice, scored a run, and had an RBI, and Masen Fisher and Carson Roeder both singled.
Gavin Eck picked up the win for the Cyclones after tossing six innings and allowing six hits and four earned runs.
In the nightcap, the Tigers scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings. After three scoreless innings, the Cyclones plated three runs in the top of the 11th and held the Tigers scoreless in bottom half to pull out the win.
“We put some really good at bats together against three good pitchers from Harlan,” said Coach Erickson. “We needed to be able to make all of the plays on defense to be able to pull out this win. I was proud of our attitude and effort throughout the entire night against a very good Harlan squad.”
The Tigers’ four fielding errors led to four unearned runs.
Reese Montgomery got the start on the mound in game two. The sophomore pitched four and 1/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits while walking four and striking out four. Brody Bond, Masen Fisher and Brett Erickson came on to pitch the final 6 2/3 innings, allowing zero earned runs on five hits.
Carson Roeder was 4-for-6 at the plate, scored two runs and drove in a run. Cale Hall doubled, singled, scored a run, and had three RBIs, and Brett Erickson had two singles and scored three runs. Adam Baier singled and scored a run, and Montgomery had a two RBI single.
Colton Schneider was credited with the win in game two after pitching 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.